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Silva TA, Thomas D, Siqueira-Neto JL, Calvet CM. Pirfenidone Prevents Heart Fibrosis during Chronic Chagas Disease Cardiomyopathy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7302. [PMID: 39000409 PMCID: PMC11242150 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is a severe outcome of Chagas disease (CD), caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. Clinical evidence revealed a correlation between fibrosis levels with impaired cardiac performance in CD patients. Therefore, we sought to analyze the effect of inhibitors of TGF-β (pirfenidone), p38-MAPK (losmapimod) and c-Jun (SP600125) on the modulation of collagen deposition in cardiac fibroblasts (CF) and in vivo models of T. cruzi chronic infection. Sirius Red/Fast Green dye was used to quantify both collagen expression and total protein amount, assessing cytotoxicity. The compounds were also used to treat C57/Bl6 mice chronically infected with T. cruzi, Brazil strain. We identified an anti-fibrotic effect in vitro for pirfenidone (TGF-β inhibitor, IC50 114.3 μM), losmapimod (p38 inhibitor, IC50 17.6 μM) and SP600125 (c-Jun inhibitor, IC50 3.9 μM). This effect was independent of CF proliferation since these compounds do not affect T. cruzi-induced host cell multiplication as measured by BrdU incorporation. Assays of chronic infection of mice with T. cruzi have shown a reduction in heart collagen by pirfenidone. These results propose a novel approach to fibrosis therapy in CD, with the prospect of repurposing pirfenidone to prevent the onset of ECM accumulation in the hearts of the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Araújo Silva
- Cellular Ultrastructure Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil;
| | - Diane Thomas
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (D.T.); (J.L.S.-N.)
| | - Jair L. Siqueira-Neto
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (D.T.); (J.L.S.-N.)
| | - Claudia Magalhaes Calvet
- Cellular Ultrastructure Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil;
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2
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Mythri RB, Aishwarya MRB. Biopolymers as promising vehicles for drug delivery to the brain. Drug Metab Rev 2024; 56:46-61. [PMID: 37955126 DOI: 10.1080/03602532.2023.2281855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
The brain is a privileged organ, tightly guarded by a network of endothelial cells, pericytes, and glial cells called the blood brain barrier. This barrier facilitates tight regulation of the transport of molecules, ions, and cells from the blood to the brain. While this feature ensures protection to the brain, it also presents a challenge for drug delivery for brain diseases. It is, therefore, crucial to identify molecules and/or vehicles that carry drugs, cross the blood brain barrier, and reach targets within the central nervous system. Biopolymers are large polymeric molecules obtained from biological sources. In comparison with synthetic polymers, biopolymers are structurally more complex and their 3D architecture makes them biologically active. Researchers are therefore investigating biopolymers as safe and efficient carriers of brain-targeted therapeutic agents. In this article, we bring together various approaches toward achieving this objective with a note on the prospects for biopolymer-based neurotherapeutic/neurorestorative/neuroprotective interventions. Finally, as a representative paradigm, we discuss the potential use of nanocarrier biopolymers in targeting protein aggregation diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeswara Babu Mythri
- Department of Psychology, Christ (Deemed to be University), Dharmaram College Post, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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3
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Chronic Trypanosoma cruzi infection activates the TWEAK/Fn14 axis in cardiac myocytes and fibroblasts driving structural and functional changes that affect the heart. Exp Parasitol 2023; 248:108491. [PMID: 36841467 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Sustained interaction between the cytokine tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) and its functional receptor, fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (Fn14), has been linked to cardiovascular disorders. Chagas cardiomyopathy, elicited by Trypanosoma cruzi infection, is associated with chronic inflammation, fibrosis and hypertrophy. This study aimed to explore the involvement of the TWEAK/Fn 14 axis in development of Chagas heart disease. Parasite infection in vitro triggered Fn14 overexpression in atrial HL-1 myocytes and cardiac MCF fibroblasts. Fn14 levels were also increased in heart tissue from C57BL/6 mice at 130 days post-infection, particularly in myocytes and fibroblasts. Concurrently, TWEAK expression in circulating monocytes from this group was higher than that determined in uninfected controls. TWEAK/Fn14 interaction was functional in myocytes and fibroblasts isolated from infected hearts, leading to TNF receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2)-mediated activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) signaling. Ex vivo stimulation of both cell types with recombinant TWEAK for 24 h boosted the NFκB-regulated production of proinflammatory/profibrotic mediators (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-8, CCL2, CCL5, MMP-2, MMP-9, ICAM-1, E-selectin) involved in chronic T. cruzi cardiomyopathy. We further evaluated the therapeutic potential of the soluble decoy receptor Fn14-Fc to interfere with TWEAK/Fn14-dependent pathogenic activity. Fn14-Fc treatment of chronically infected mice was effective in neutralizing the ligand and reverting electrocardiographic abnormalities, maladaptive inflammation, adverse remodeling and hypertrophy in myocardium. Altogether, these findings suggest that sustained TWEAK/Fn14 induction by persistent T. cruzi infection is implicated in cardiopathogenesis and make TWEAK/Fn14 axis a promising target for the treatment of chronic Chagas heart disease.
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De Simone G, di Masi A, Ascenzi P. Strategies of Pathogens to Escape from NO-Based Host Defense. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:2176. [PMID: 36358549 PMCID: PMC9686644 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11112176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is an essential signaling molecule present in most living organisms including bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals. NO participates in a wide range of biological processes including vasomotor tone, neurotransmission, and immune response. However, NO is highly reactive and can give rise to reactive nitrogen and oxygen species that, in turn, can modify a broad range of biomolecules. Much evidence supports the critical role of NO in the virulence and replication of viruses, bacteria, protozoan, metazoan, and fungi, thus representing a general mechanism of host defense. However, pathogens have developed different mechanisms to elude the host NO and to protect themselves against oxidative and nitrosative stress. Here, the strategies evolved by viruses, bacteria, protozoan, metazoan, and fungi to escape from the NO-based host defense are overviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Laboratorio Interdipartimentale di Microscopia Elettronica, Via della Vasca Navale 79, 00146 Roma, Italy
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5
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Fresno M, Gironès N. Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Trypanosoma cruzi Infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:737364. [PMID: 34513737 PMCID: PMC8430253 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.737364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are immature heterogeneous myeloid cells that expand in pathologic conditions as cancer, trauma, and infection. Although characterization of MDSCs is continuously revisited, the best feature is their suppressor activity. There are many markers for MDSC identification, it is distinctive that they express inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and arginase 1, which can mediate immune suppression. MDSCs can have a medullary origin as a result of emergency myelopoiesis, but also can have an extramedullary origin. Early studies on Trypanosoma cruzi infection showed severe immunosuppression, and several mechanisms involving parasite antigens and host cell mediators were described as inhibition of IL-2 and IL-2R. Another mechanism of immunosuppression involving tumor necrosis factor/interferon γ-dependent nitric oxide production by inducible nitric oxide synthase was also described. Moreover, other studies showed that nitric oxide was produced by CD11b+ Gr-1+ MDSCs in the spleen, and later iNOS and arginase 1 expressed in CD11b+Ly6C+Ly6Glo monocytic MDSC were found in spleen and heart of T. cruzi infected mice that suppressed T cell proliferation. Uncontrolled expansion of monocytic MDSCs leads to L-arginine depletion which hinders nitric oxide production leading to death. Supplement of L-arginine partially reverts L-arginine depletion and survival, suggesting that L-arginine could be administered along with anti-parasitical drugs. On the other hand, pharmacological inhibition of MDSCs leads to death in mice, suggesting that some expansion of MDSCs is needed for an efficient immune response. The role of signaling molecules mediating immune suppression as reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species, as well as prostaglandin E2, characteristics of MDSCs, in T. cruzi infection is not fully understood. We review and discuss the role of these reactive species mediators produced by MDSCs. Finally, we discuss the latest results that link the SLAMF1 immune receptor with reactive oxygen species. Interaction of the parasite with the SLAMF1 modulates parasite virulence through myeloid cell infectivity and reactive oxygen species production. We discuss the possible strategies for targeting MDSCs and SLAMF1 receptor in acute Trypanosoma cruzi infection in mice, to evaluate a possible translational application in human acute infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Fresno
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Group 12, Madrid, Spain
| | - Núria Gironès
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Group 12, Madrid, Spain
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6
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Hernández M, Wicz S, Pérez Caballero E, Santamaría MH, Corral RS. Dual chemotherapy with benznidazole at suboptimal dose plus curcumin nanoparticles mitigates Trypanosoma cruzi-elicited chronic cardiomyopathy. Parasitol Int 2020; 81:102248. [PMID: 33238215 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2020.102248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Curcumin (Cur) is a natural polyphenolic flavonoid isolated from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa. Its anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective properties are increasingly considered to have beneficial effects on the progression of cardiomyopathy associated with Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. However, the Cur therapeutic limitation is its bioavailability and new Cur nanomedicine formulations are developed to overcome this obstacle. In this research, we provide evidence showing that oral therapy with a suboptimal dose of the standard parasiticidal drug benznidazole (BZ) in combination with Cur-loaded nanoparticles is capable of reducing myocardial parasite load, cardiac hypertrophy, inflammation and fibrosis in mice with long-term infection by T. cruzi. Treatment with BZ plus Cur was highly effective in downregulating myocardial expression of proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, CCL5), and the level/activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2, MMP-9) and inducible enzymes (cyclooxygenase, nitric oxide synthase) implicated in leukocyte recruitment and cardiac remodeling. Oral administration of a Cur-based nanoformulation displays potential as a complementary strategy to the conventional BZ chemotherapy in the treatment of chronic Chagas heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matías Hernández
- Laboratorio de Biomedicina Molecular, Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis, San Luis, Argentina
| | - Susana Wicz
- Laboratorio de Biomedicina Molecular, Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis, San Luis, Argentina
| | | | - Miguel H Santamaría
- Laboratorio de Biología Experimental, Centro de Estudios Metabólicos, Santander, Spain
| | - Ricardo S Corral
- Servicio de Parasitología-Chagas, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones en Patologías Pediátricas (IMIPP, GCBA-CONICET), Hospital de Niños "Dr. Ricardo Gutiérrez", Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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7
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Roman-Campos D, Sales-Junior P, Santos-Miranda A, Joviano-Santos JV, Ropert C, Cruz JS. Deletion of inducible nitric oxide synthase delays the onset of cardiomyocyte electrical remodeling in experimental Chagas disease. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1866:165949. [PMID: 32841732 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.165949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Danilo Roman-Campos
- Laboratory of CardioBiology, Department of Biophysics, Universitade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | | | - Artur Santos-Miranda
- Laboratory of CardioBiology, Department of Biophysics, Universitade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Julliane V Joviano-Santos
- Laboratory of CardioBiology, Department of Biophysics, Universitade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Catherine Ropert
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Biological Sciences Institute, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Jader S Cruz
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Biological Sciences Institute, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Resolvin D1 Administration Is Beneficial in Trypanosoma cruzi Infection. Infect Immun 2020; 88:IAI.00052-20. [PMID: 32152197 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00052-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is a major public health issue, affecting ∼10 million people worldwide. Transmitted by a protozoan named Trypanosoma cruzi, this infection triggers a chronic inflammatory process that can lead to cardiomyopathy (Chagas disease). Resolvin D1 (RvD1) is a novel proresolution lipid mediator whose effects on inflammatory diseases dampens pathological inflammatory responses and can restore tissue homeostasis. Current therapies are not effective in altering the outcome of T. cruzi infection, and as RvD1 has been evaluated as a therapeutic agent in various inflammatory diseases, we examined if exogenous RvD1 could modulate the pathogenesis of Chagas disease in a murine model. CD-1 mice infected with the T. cruzi Brazil strain were treated with RvD1. Mice were administered 3 μg/kg of body weight RvD1 intraperitoneally on days 5, 10, and 15 to examine the effect of RvD1 on acute disease or administered the same dose on days 60, 65, and 70 to examine its effects on chronic infection. RvD1 therapy increased the survival rate and controlled parasite replication in mice with acute infection and reduced the levels of interferon gamma and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) in mice with chronic infection. In addition, there was an increase in interleukin-10 levels with RvD1 therapy in both mice with acute infection and mice with chronic infection and a decrease in TGF-β levels and collagen content in cardiac tissue. Together, these data indicate that RvD1 therapy can dampen the inflammatory response, promote the resolution of T. cruzi infection, and prevent cardiac fibrosis.
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Acevedo GR, Girard MC, Gómez KA. The Unsolved Jigsaw Puzzle of the Immune Response in Chagas Disease. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1929. [PMID: 30197647 PMCID: PMC6117404 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi interacts with the different arms of the innate and adaptive host's immune response in a very complex and flowery manner. The history of host-parasite co-evolution has provided this protozoan with means of resisting, escaping or subverting the mechanisms of immunity and establishing a chronic infection. Despite many decades of research on the subject, the infection remains incurable, and the factors that steer chronic Chagas disease from an asymptomatic state to clinical onset are still unclear. As the relationship between T. cruzi and the host immune system is intricate, so is the amount and diversity of scientific knowledge on the matter. Many of the mechanisms of immunity are fairly well understood, but unveiling the factors that lead each of these to success or failure, within the coordinated response as a whole, requires further research. The intention behind this Review is to compile the available information on the different aspects of the immune response, with an emphasis on those phenomena that have been studied and confirmed in the human host. For ease of comprehension, it has been subdivided in sections that cover the main humoral and cell-mediated components involved therein. However, we also intend to underline that these elements are not independent, but function intimately and concertedly. Here, we summarize years of investigation carried out to unravel the puzzling interplay between the host and the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Karina A. Gómez
- Laboratorio de Inmunología de las Infecciones por Tripanosomátidos, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular (INGEBI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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10
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de Almeida PE, Toledo DAM, Rodrigues GSC, D'Avila H. Lipid Bodies as Sites of Prostaglandin E2 Synthesis During Chagas Disease: Impact in the Parasite Escape Mechanism. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:499. [PMID: 29616011 PMCID: PMC5869919 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
During Chagas disease, the Trypanosoma cruzi can induce some changes in the host cells in order to escape or manipulate the host immune response. The modulation of the lipid metabolism in the host phagocytes or in the parasite itself is one feature that has been observed. The goal of this mini review is to discuss the mechanisms that regulate intracellular lipid body (LB) biogenesis in the course of this parasite infection and their meaning to the pathophysiology of the disease. The interaction host–parasite induces LB (or lipid droplet) formation in a Toll-like receptor 2-dependent mechanism in macrophages and is enhanced by apoptotic cell uptake. Simultaneously, there is a lipid accumulation in the parasite due to the incorporation of host fatty acids. The increase in the LB accumulation during infection is correlated with an increase in the synthesis of PGE2 within the host cells and the parasite LBs. Moreover, the treatment with fatty acid synthase inhibitor C75 or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as NS-398 and aspirin inhibited the LB biogenesis and also induced the down modulation of the eicosanoid production and the parasite replication. These findings show that LBs are organelles up modulated during the course of infection. Furthermore, the biogenesis of the LB is involved in the lipid mediator generation by both the macrophages and the parasite triggering escape mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia E de Almeida
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Biology, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | | | - Gabriel S C Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Biology, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Heloisa D'Avila
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Biology, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil
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11
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Moreira HT, Volpe GJ, Marin-Neto JA, Ambale-Venkatesh B, Nwabuo CC, Trad HS, Romano MMD, Pazin-Filho A, Maciel BC, Lima JAC, Schmidt A. Evaluation of Right Ventricular Systolic Function in Chagas Disease Using Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Circ Cardiovasc Imaging 2017; 10:CIRCIMAGING.116.005571. [PMID: 28289020 DOI: 10.1161/circimaging.116.005571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Right ventricular (RV) impairment is postulated to be responsible for prominent systemic congestion in Chagas disease. However, occurrence of primary RV dysfunction in Chagas disease remains controversial. We aimed to study RV systolic function in patients with Chagas disease using cardiac magnetic resonance. METHODS AND RESULTS This cross-sectional study included 158 individuals with chronic Chagas disease who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance. RV systolic dysfunction was defined as reduced RV ejection fraction based on predefined cutoffs accounting for age and sex. Multivariable logistic regression was used to verify the relationship of RV systolic dysfunction with age, sex, functional class, use of medications for heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Mean age was 54±13 years, 51.2% men. RV systolic dysfunction was identified in 58 (37%) individuals. Although usually associated with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, isolated RV systolic dysfunction was found in 7 (4.4%) patients, 2 of them in early stages of Chagas disease. Presence of RV dysfunction was not significantly different in patients with indeterminate/digestive form of Chagas disease (35.7%) compared with those with Chagas cardiomyopathy (36.8%) (P=1.000). CONCLUSIONS In chronic Chagas disease, RV systolic dysfunction is more commonly associated with left ventricular systolic dysfunction, although isolated and early RV dysfunction can also be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrique T Moreira
- From the Department of Internal Medicine, Divisions of Cardiology and Radiology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil (H.T.M., G.J.V., J.A.M.-N., H.S.T., M.M.D.R., A.P.-F., B.C.M., A.S.); and Department of Cardiovascular Imaging, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD (B.A.-V., C.C.N., J.A.C.L.)
| | - Gustavo J Volpe
- From the Department of Internal Medicine, Divisions of Cardiology and Radiology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil (H.T.M., G.J.V., J.A.M.-N., H.S.T., M.M.D.R., A.P.-F., B.C.M., A.S.); and Department of Cardiovascular Imaging, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD (B.A.-V., C.C.N., J.A.C.L.)
| | - José A Marin-Neto
- From the Department of Internal Medicine, Divisions of Cardiology and Radiology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil (H.T.M., G.J.V., J.A.M.-N., H.S.T., M.M.D.R., A.P.-F., B.C.M., A.S.); and Department of Cardiovascular Imaging, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD (B.A.-V., C.C.N., J.A.C.L.)
| | - Bharath Ambale-Venkatesh
- From the Department of Internal Medicine, Divisions of Cardiology and Radiology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil (H.T.M., G.J.V., J.A.M.-N., H.S.T., M.M.D.R., A.P.-F., B.C.M., A.S.); and Department of Cardiovascular Imaging, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD (B.A.-V., C.C.N., J.A.C.L.)
| | - Chike C Nwabuo
- From the Department of Internal Medicine, Divisions of Cardiology and Radiology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil (H.T.M., G.J.V., J.A.M.-N., H.S.T., M.M.D.R., A.P.-F., B.C.M., A.S.); and Department of Cardiovascular Imaging, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD (B.A.-V., C.C.N., J.A.C.L.)
| | - Henrique S Trad
- From the Department of Internal Medicine, Divisions of Cardiology and Radiology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil (H.T.M., G.J.V., J.A.M.-N., H.S.T., M.M.D.R., A.P.-F., B.C.M., A.S.); and Department of Cardiovascular Imaging, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD (B.A.-V., C.C.N., J.A.C.L.)
| | - Minna M D Romano
- From the Department of Internal Medicine, Divisions of Cardiology and Radiology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil (H.T.M., G.J.V., J.A.M.-N., H.S.T., M.M.D.R., A.P.-F., B.C.M., A.S.); and Department of Cardiovascular Imaging, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD (B.A.-V., C.C.N., J.A.C.L.)
| | - Antonio Pazin-Filho
- From the Department of Internal Medicine, Divisions of Cardiology and Radiology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil (H.T.M., G.J.V., J.A.M.-N., H.S.T., M.M.D.R., A.P.-F., B.C.M., A.S.); and Department of Cardiovascular Imaging, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD (B.A.-V., C.C.N., J.A.C.L.)
| | - Benedito C Maciel
- From the Department of Internal Medicine, Divisions of Cardiology and Radiology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil (H.T.M., G.J.V., J.A.M.-N., H.S.T., M.M.D.R., A.P.-F., B.C.M., A.S.); and Department of Cardiovascular Imaging, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD (B.A.-V., C.C.N., J.A.C.L.)
| | - João A C Lima
- From the Department of Internal Medicine, Divisions of Cardiology and Radiology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil (H.T.M., G.J.V., J.A.M.-N., H.S.T., M.M.D.R., A.P.-F., B.C.M., A.S.); and Department of Cardiovascular Imaging, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD (B.A.-V., C.C.N., J.A.C.L.)
| | - André Schmidt
- From the Department of Internal Medicine, Divisions of Cardiology and Radiology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil (H.T.M., G.J.V., J.A.M.-N., H.S.T., M.M.D.R., A.P.-F., B.C.M., A.S.); and Department of Cardiovascular Imaging, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD (B.A.-V., C.C.N., J.A.C.L.).
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Moraes KCM, Diniz LF, Bahia MT. Role of cyclooxygenase-2 in Trypanosoma cruzi survival in the early stages of parasite host-cell interaction. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2015; 110:181-91. [PMID: 25946241 PMCID: PMC4489448 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760140311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2014] [Accepted: 03/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease, caused by the intracellular protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, is a serious health problem in Latin America. During this parasitic infection, the heart is one of the major organs affected. The pathogenesis of tissue remodelling, particularly regarding cardiomyocyte behaviour after parasite infection and the molecular mechanisms that occur immediately following parasite entry into host cells are not yet completely understood. When cells are infected with T. cruzi, they develop an inflammatory response, in which cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) catalyses rate-limiting steps in the arachidonic acid pathway. However, how the parasite interaction modulates COX-2 activity is poorly understood. In this study, the H9c2 cell line was used as our model and we investigated cellular and biochemical aspects during the initial 48 h of parasitic infection. Oscillatory activity of COX-2 was observed, which correlated with the control of the pro-inflammatory environment in infected cells. Interestingly, subcellular trafficking was also verified, correlated with the control of Cox-2 mRNA or the activated COX-2 protein in cells, which is directly connected with the assemble of stress granules structures. Our collective findings suggest that in the very early stage of the T. cruzi-host cell interaction, the parasite is able to modulate the cellular metabolism in order to survives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen CM Moraes
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Departamento de Biologia, Instituto
de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Rio Claro, SP,
Brasil
| | - Lívia F Diniz
- Laboratório de Doença de Chagas, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas,
Núcleo de Pesquisa em Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro
Preto, MG, Brasil
| | - Maria Terezinha Bahia
- Laboratório de Doença de Chagas, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas,
Núcleo de Pesquisa em Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro
Preto, MG, Brasil
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13
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Pentoxifylline reverses chronic experimental Chagasic cardiomyopathy in association with repositioning of abnormal CD8+ T-cell response. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003659. [PMID: 25789471 PMCID: PMC4366205 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2014] [Accepted: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy (CCC), the main clinical sign of Chagas disease, is associated with systemic CD8+ T-cell abnormalities and CD8-enriched myocarditis occurring in an inflammatory milieu. Pentoxifylline (PTX), a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, has immunoregulatory and cardioprotective properties. Here, we tested PTX effects on CD8+ T-cell abnormalities and cardiac alterations using a model of experimental Chagas’ heart disease. Methodology/Principal Findings C57BL/6 mice chronically infected by the Colombian Trypanosoma cruzi strain and presenting signs of CCC were treated with PTX. The downmodulation of T-cell receptors on CD8+ cells induced by T. cruzi infection was rescued by PTX therapy. Also, PTX reduced the frequency of CD8+ T-cells expressing activation and migration markers in the spleen and the activation of blood vessel endothelial cells and the intensity of inflammation in the heart tissue. Although preserved interferon-gamma production systemically and in the cardiac tissue, PTX therapy reduced the number of perforin+ cells invading this tissue. PTX did not alter parasite load, but hampered the progression of heart injury, improving connexin 43 expression and decreasing fibronectin overdeposition. Further, PTX reversed electrical abnormalities as bradycardia and prolonged PR, QTc and QRS intervals in chronically infected mice. Moreover, PTX therapy improved heart remodeling since reduced left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and restored the decreased LV ejection fraction. Conclusions/Significance PTX therapy ameliorates critical aspects of CCC and repositioned CD8+ T-cell response towards homeostasis, reinforcing that immunological abnormalities are crucially linked, as cause or effect, to CCC. Therefore, PTX emerges as a candidate to treat the non-beneficial immune deregulation associated with chronic Chagas' heart disease and to improve prognosis. Chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy (CCC) is the main clinical manifestation of Chagas disease (CD), a neglected illness caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. More than hundred years after its discovery, CD continues to be a public health problem and millions of chronically infected people wait for an effective treatment. Chagasic cardiomyopathy is associated with CD8+ T-cell-enriched myocarditis, fibrosis and cardiac electrical and structural abnormalities, frequently progressing to heart failure. Presently, the available therapies only mitigate symptoms of CCC. Abnormalities in CD8+ T-cell compartment are present in CCC patients. Recently, we described the importance of CD8+ T-cells in the pathogenesis of CCC. Therefore, our proposal was to interfere with abnormalities of CD8+ T-cells glimpsing a better prognosis for CCC. Using PTX, an affordable drug with immunomodulatory properties on T-cells and cardioprotective effects in non-infections disease, we bring a therapeutic candidate for treating CCC. PTX therapy downmodulated detrimental CD8+ T-cells and promoted T. cruzi-specific interferon-gamma-producing T-cells. Importantly, chronic chagasic electrical and echocardiographic alterations were reversed by PTX therapy. Future studies may test the use of PTX combined with trypanocidal drug or as a vaccine adjuvant to improve the quality of life of chronic CD patients.
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14
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Bonney KM, Taylor JM, Thorp EB, Epting CL, Engman DM. Depletion of regulatory T cells decreases cardiac parasitosis and inflammation in experimental Chagas disease. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:1167-78. [PMID: 25576191 PMCID: PMC4336812 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-4300-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2014] [Accepted: 12/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Infection with the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi may lead to a potentially fatal cardiomyopathy known as Chagas heart disease. This disease is characterized by infiltration of the myocardium by mononuclear cells, including CD4+ T cells, together with edema, myofibrillary destruction, and fibrosis. A multifaceted systemic immune response develops that ultimately keeps parasitemia and tissue parasitosis low. T helper 1 and other pro-inflammatory T cell responses are effective at keeping levels of T. cruzi low in tissues and blood, but they may also lead to tissue inflammation when present chronically. The mechanism by which the inflammatory response is regulated in T. cruzi-infected individuals is complex, and the specific roles that Th17 and T regulatory (Treg) cells may play in that regulation are beginning to be elucidated. In this study, we found that depletion of Treg cells in T. cruzi-infected mice leads to reduced cardiac parasitosis and inflammation, accompanied by an augmented Th1 response early in the course of infection. This is followed by a downregulation of the Th1 response and increased Th17 response late in infection. The effect of Treg cell depletion on the Th1 and Th17 cells is not observed in mice immunized with T. cruzi in adjuvant. This suggests that Treg cells specifically regulate Th1 and Th17 cell responses during T. cruzi infection and may also be important for modulating parasite clearance and inflammation in the myocardium of T. cruzi-infected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Bonney
- Liberal Studies, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, New York University, New York, NY, USA
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15
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Dey N, Sinha M, Gupta S, Gonzalez MN, Fang R, Endsley JJ, Luxon BA, Garg NJ. Caspase-1/ASC inflammasome-mediated activation of IL-1β-ROS-NF-κB pathway for control of Trypanosoma cruzi replication and survival is dispensable in NLRP3-/- macrophages. PLoS One 2014; 9:e111539. [PMID: 25372293 PMCID: PMC4221042 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0111539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2014] [Accepted: 09/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we have utilized wild-type (WT), ASC-/-, and NLRP3-/- macrophages and inhibition approaches to investigate the mechanisms of inflammasome activation and their role in Trypanosoma cruzi infection. We also probed human macrophages and analyzed published microarray datasets from human fibroblasts, and endothelial and smooth muscle cells for T. cruzi-induced changes in the expression genes included in the RT Profiler Human Inflammasome arrays. T. cruzi infection elicited a subdued and delayed activation of inflammasome-related gene expression and IL-1β production in mφs in comparison to LPS-treated controls. When WT and ASC-/- macrophages were treated with inhibitors of caspase-1, IL-1β, or NADPH oxidase, we found that IL-1β production by caspase-1/ASC inflammasome required reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a secondary signal. Moreover, IL-1β regulated NF-κB signaling of inflammatory cytokine gene expression and, subsequently, intracellular parasite replication in macrophages. NLRP3-/- macrophages, despite an inability to elicit IL-1β activation and inflammatory cytokine gene expression, exhibited a 4-fold decline in intracellular parasites in comparison to that noted in matched WT controls. NLRP3-/- macrophages were not refractory to T. cruzi, and instead exhibited a very high basal level of ROS (>100-fold higher than WT controls) that was maintained after infection in an IL-1β-independent manner and contributed to efficient parasite killing. We conclude that caspase-1/ASC inflammasomes play a significant role in the activation of IL-1β/ROS and NF-κB signaling of cytokine gene expression for T. cruzi control in human and mouse macrophages. However, NLRP3-mediated IL-1β/NFκB activation is dispensable and compensated for by ROS-mediated control of T. cruzi replication and survival in macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilay Dey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail: (ND); (NJG)
| | - Mala Sinha
- Department of BioChemistry & Molecular Biology, UTMB, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Shivali Gupta
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Mariela Natacha Gonzalez
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología “Dr. Mario Fatala Chaben”, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rong Fang
- Department of Pathology, UTMB, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Janice J. Endsley
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Bruce A. Luxon
- Department of BioChemistry & Molecular Biology, UTMB, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Nisha Jain Garg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, UTMB, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Faculty of the Institute for Human Infections and Immunity and the Center for Tropical Diseases, UTMB, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail: (ND); (NJG)
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16
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Jasmin, Jelicks LA, Tanowitz HB, Peters VM, Mendez-Otero R, de Carvalho ACC, Spray DC. Molecular imaging, biodistribution and efficacy of mesenchymal bone marrow cell therapy in a mouse model of Chagas disease. Microbes Infect 2014; 16:923-935. [PMID: 25218054 PMCID: PMC4360918 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2014.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Revised: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 08/26/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Chagasic cardiomyopathy, resulting from infection with the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, was discovered more than a century ago and remains an incurable disease. Due to the unique properties of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) we hypothesized that these cells could have therapeutic potential for chagasic cardiomyopathy. Recently, our group pioneered use of nanoparticle-labeled MSC to correlate migration with its effect in an acute Chagas disease model. We expanded our investigation into a chronic model and performed more comprehensive assays. Infected mice were treated with nanoparticle-labeled MSC and their migration was correlated with alterations in heart morphology, metalloproteinase activity, and expression of several proteins. The vast majority of labeled MSC migrated to liver, lungs and spleen whereas a small number of cells migrated to chagasic hearts. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated that MSC therapy reduced heart dilatation. Additionally metalloproteinase activity was higher in heart and other organs of infected mice. Protein expression analyses revealed that connexin 43, laminin γ1, IL-10 and INF-γ were affected by the disease and recovered after cell therapy. Interestingly, MSC therapy led to upregulation of SDF-1 and c-kit in the hearts. The beneficial effect of MSC therapy in Chagas disease is likely due to an indirect action of the cells of the heart, rather than the incorporation of large numbers of stem cells into working myocardium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Dept. of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY, USA
| | - Linda A Jelicks
- Dept. of Physiology and Biophysics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY, USA
| | - Herbert B Tanowitz
- Dept. of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY, USA
- Dept. of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY, USA
| | - Vera Maria Peters
- Centro de Biologia da Reprodução, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Rosalia Mendez-Otero
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Antonio C Campos de Carvalho
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Dept. of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY, USA
| | - David C Spray
- Dept. of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY, USA
- Dept. of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY, USA
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17
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Malvestio LM, Celes MR, Milanezi C, Silva JS, Jelicks LA, Tanowitz HB, Rossi MA, Prado CM. Role of dystrophin in acute Trypanosoma cruzi infection. Microbes Infect 2014; 16:768-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2014.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2014] [Revised: 07/15/2014] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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18
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Endothelin-1 and its role in the pathogenesis of infectious diseases. Life Sci 2014; 118:110-9. [PMID: 24780317 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2014.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Revised: 04/08/2014] [Accepted: 04/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Endothelins are potent regulators of vascular tone, which also have mitogenic, apoptotic, and immunomodulatory properties (Rubanyi and Polokoff, 1994; Kedzierski and Yanagisawa, 2001; Bagnato et al., 2011). Three isoforms of endothelin have been identified to date, with endothelin-1 (ET-1) being the best studied. ET-1 is classically considered a potent vasoconstrictor. However, in addition to the effects of ET-1 on vascular smooth muscle cells, the peptide is increasingly recognized as a pro-inflammatory cytokine (Teder and Noble, 2000; Sessa et al., 1991). ET-1 causes platelet aggregation and plays a role in the increased expression of leukocyte adhesion molecules, the synthesis of inflammatory mediators contributing to vascular dysfunction. High levels of ET-1 are found in alveolar macrophages, leukocytes (Sessa et al., 1991) and fibroblasts (Gu et al., 1991). Clinical and experimental data indicate that ET-1 is involved in the pathogenesis of sepsis (Tschaikowsky et al., 2000; Goto et al., 2012), viral and bacterial pneumonia (Schuetz et al., 2008; Samransamruajkit et al., 2002), Rickettsia conorii infections (Davi et al., 1995), Chagas disease (Petkova et al., 2000, 2001), and severe malaria (Dai et al., 2012; Machado et al., 2006; Wenisch et al., 1996a; Dietmann et al., 2008). In this minireview, we will discuss the role of endothelin in the pathogenesis of infectious processes.
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19
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Huete-Pérez JA, Flores-Obando RE, Ghedin E, Caffrey CR. Genomic and proteomic approaches for Chagas’ disease: critical analysis of diagnostic methods. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2014; 5:521-30. [PMID: 16013970 DOI: 10.1586/14737159.5.4.521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is the etiologic agent of Chagas' disease, a chronic inflammatory condition that results in heart and digestive complications. The first draft of the parasite genome is now complete and it is expected that, along with the published genomic and proteomic analyses discussed herein, it will lead to the identification of crucial genes and proteins directly associated with disease. This article reviews the current research trends addressing host-parasite interaction, parasite genetic variability and diagnosis. These advances will certainly bring about major developments not only in our understanding of Trypanosoma cruzi biology, but also in the application of new technologies to disease prevention and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge A Huete-Pérez
- Sandler Center for Basic Research in Parasitic Diseases, University of California, QB3 Building, Box 2550, 1700 4 Street, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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20
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Hoerr V, Faber C. Magnetic resonance imaging characterization of microbial infections. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2013; 93:136-46. [PMID: 24257444 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2013.10.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2013] [Revised: 10/19/2013] [Accepted: 10/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The investigation of microbial infections relies to a large part on animal models of infection, if host pathogen interactions or the host response are considered. Especially for the assessment of novel therapeutic agents, animal models are required. Non-invasive imaging methods to study such models have gained increasing importance over the recent years. In particular, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) affords a variety of diagnostic options, and can be used for longitudinal studies. In this review, we introduce the most important MRI modalities that show how MRI has been used for the investigation of animal models of infection previously and how it may be applied in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Hoerr
- Department of Clinical Radiology, University Hospital of Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany.
| | - Cornelius Faber
- Department of Clinical Radiology, University Hospital of Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
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21
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Nagajyothi F, Kuliawat R, Kusminski CM, Machado FS, Desruisseaux MS, Zhao D, Schwartz GJ, Huang H, Albanese C, Lisanti MP, Singh R, Li F, Weiss LM, Factor SM, Pessin JE, Scherer PE, Tanowitz HB. Alterations in glucose homeostasis in a murine model of Chagas disease. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2013; 182:886-94. [PMID: 23321322 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2012.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2012] [Revised: 11/16/2012] [Accepted: 11/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, is an important cause of morbidity and mortality primarily resulting from cardiac dysfunction, although T. cruzi infection results in inflammation and cell destruction in many organs. We found that T. cruzi (Brazil strain) infection of mice results in pancreatic inflammation and parasitism within pancreatic β-cells with apparent sparing of α cells and leads to the disruption of pancreatic islet architecture, β-cell dysfunction, and surprisingly, hypoglycemia. Blood glucose and insulin levels were reduced in infected mice during acute infection and insulin levels remained low into the chronic phase. In response to the hypoglycemia, glucagon levels 30 days postinfection were elevated, indicating normal α-cell function. Administration of L-arginine and a β-adrenergic receptor agonist (CL316, 243, respectively) resulted in a diminished insulin response during the acute and chronic phases. Insulin granules were docked, but the lack of insulin secretion suggested an inability of granules to fuse at the plasma membrane of pancreatic β-cells. In the liver, there was a concomitant reduced expression of glucose-6-phosphatase mRNA and glucose production from pyruvate (pyruvate tolerance test), demonstrating defective hepatic gluconeogenesis as a cause for the T. cruzi-induced hypoglycemia, despite reduced insulin, but elevated glucagon levels. The data establishes a complex, multi-tissue relationship between T. cruzi infection, Chagas disease, and host glucose homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fnu Nagajyothi
- Division of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, USA
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22
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Machado FS, Dutra WO, Esper L, Gollob KJ, Teixeira MM, Factor SM, Weiss LM, Nagajyothi F, Tanowitz HB, Garg NJ. Current understanding of immunity to Trypanosoma cruzi infection and pathogenesis of Chagas disease. Semin Immunopathol 2012; 34:753-70. [PMID: 23076807 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-012-0351-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2012] [Accepted: 09/21/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi remains an important neglected tropical disease and a cause of significant morbidity and mortality. No longer confined to endemic areas of Latin America, it is now found in non-endemic areas due to immigration. The parasite may persist in any tissue, but in recent years, there has been increased recognition of adipose tissue both as an early target of infection and a reservoir of chronic infection. The major complications of this disease are cardiomyopathy and megasyndromes involving the gastrointestinal tract. The pathogenesis of Chagas disease is complex and multifactorial involving many interactive pathways. The significance of innate immunity, including the contributions of cytokines, chemokines, reactive oxygen species, and oxidative stress, has been emphasized. The role of the components of the eicosanoid pathway such as thromboxane A(2) and the lipoxins has been demonstrated to have profound effects as both pro- and anti-inflammatory factors. Additionally, we discuss the vasoconstrictive actions of thromboxane A(2) and endothelin-1 in Chagas disease. Human immunity to T. cruzi infection and its role in pathogen control and disease progression have not been fully investigated. However, recently, it was demonstrated that a reduction in the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was associated with clinically significant chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana S Machado
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Biological Sciences Institute, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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23
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Machado FS, Jelicks LA, Kirchhoff LV, Shirani J, Nagajyothi F, Mukherjee S, Nelson R, Coyle CM, Spray DC, Campos de Carvalho AC, Guan F, Prado CM, Lisanti MP, Weiss LM, Montgomery SP, Tanowitz HB. Chagas heart disease: report on recent developments. Cardiol Rev 2012; 20:53-65. [PMID: 22293860 PMCID: PMC3275684 DOI: 10.1097/crd.0b013e31823efde2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is an important cause of cardiac disease in endemic areas of Latin America. It is now being diagnosed in nonendemic areas because of immigration. Typical cardiac manifestations of Chagas disease include dilated cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, cardioembolism, and stroke. Clinical and laboratory-based research to define the pathology resulting from T. cruzi infection has shed light on many of the cellular and molecular mechanisms leading to these manifestations. Antiparasitic treatment may not be appropriate for patients with advanced cardiac disease. Clinical management of Chagas heart disease is similar to that used for cardiomyopathies caused by other processes. Cardiac transplantation has been successfully performed in a small number of patients with Chagas heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana S. Machado
- Departments of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, and Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Linda A. Jelicks
- Gruss Magnetic Resonance Research Center and Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Louis V. Kirchhoff
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Iowa City, IA
| | - Jamshid Shirani
- Department of Cardiology St Luke’s Hospital and Health Network, Bethlehem, PA
| | - Fnu Nagajyothi
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Shankar Mukherjee
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Randin Nelson
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Christina M. Coyle
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
- Department of Parasitology, Jacobi Medical Center, Bronx, NY
| | - David C. Spray
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Antonio C. Campos de Carvalho
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
- National Cardiology Institute, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fangxia Guan
- Bioengineering Department of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cibele M. Prado
- Department of Pathology, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Michael P. Lisanti
- Kimmel Cancer Center, Departments of Cancer Biology and Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Louis M. Weiss
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
- Department of Parasitology, Jacobi Medical Center, Bronx, NY
- Global Health Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Susan P. Montgomery
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Herbert B. Tanowitz
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
- Department of Parasitology, Jacobi Medical Center, Bronx, NY
- Global Health Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
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24
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Santiago HC, Gonzalez Lombana CZ, Macedo JP, Utsch L, Tafuri WL, Campagnole-Santos MJ, Alves RO, Alves-Filho JCF, Romanha AJ, Cunha FQ, Teixeira MM, Radi R, Vieira LQ. NADPH phagocyte oxidase knockout mice control Trypanosoma cruzi proliferation, but develop circulatory collapse and succumb to infection. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2012; 6:e1492. [PMID: 22348160 PMCID: PMC3279332 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2010] [Accepted: 12/09/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
(•)NO is considered to be a key macrophage-derived cytotoxic effector during Trypanosoma cruzi infection. On the other hand, the microbicidal properties of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are well recognized, but little importance has been attributed to them during in vivo infection with T. cruzi. In order to investigate the role of ROS in T. cruzi infection, mice deficient in NADPH phagocyte oxidase (gp91(phox) (-/-) or phox KO) were infected with Y strain of T. cruzi and the course of infection was followed. phox KO mice had similar parasitemia, similar tissue parasitism and similar levels of IFN-γ and TNF in serum and spleen cell culture supernatants, when compared to wild-type controls. However, all phox KO mice succumbed to infection between day 15 and 21 after inoculation with the parasite, while 60% of wild-type mice were alive 50 days after infection. Further investigation demonstrated increased serum levels of nitrite and nitrate (NOx) at day 15 of infection in phox KO animals, associated with a drop in blood pressure. Treatment with a NOS2 inhibitor corrected the blood pressure, implicating NOS2 in this phenomenon. We postulate that superoxide reacts with (•)NO in vivo, preventing blood pressure drops in wild type mice. Hence, whilst superoxide from phagocytes did not play a critical role in parasite control in the phox KO animals, its production would have an important protective effect against blood pressure decline during infection with T. cruzi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helton C. Santiago
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Claudia Z. Gonzalez Lombana
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Juan P. Macedo
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Lara Utsch
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Wagner L. Tafuri
- Departamento de Patologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Maria José Campagnole-Santos
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rosana O. Alves
- Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - José C. F. Alves-Filho
- Departmento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Alvaro J. Romanha
- Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fernando Queiroz Cunha
- Departmento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Mauro M. Teixeira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rafael Radi
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Center for Free Radical and Biomedical Research, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Leda Q. Vieira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Nagajyothi F, Desruisseaux MS, Machado FS, Upadhya R, Zhao D, Schwartz GJ, Teixeira MM, Albanese C, Lisanti MP, Chua SC, Weiss LM, Scherer PE, Tanowitz HB. Response of adipose tissue to early infection with Trypanosoma cruzi (Brazil strain). J Infect Dis 2012; 205:830-40. [PMID: 22293433 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jir840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Brown adipose tissue (BAT) and white adipose tissue (WAT) and adipocytes are targets of Trypanosoma cruzi infection. Adipose tissue obtained from CD-1 mice 15 days after infection, an early stage of infection revealed a high parasite load. There was a significant increase in macrophages in infected adipose tissue and a reduction in lipid accumulation, adipocyte size, and fat mass and increased expression of lipolytic enzymes. Infection increased levels of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 and TLR9 and in the expression of components of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ were increased in WAT, whereas protein and mRNA levels of adiponectin were significantly reduced in BAT and WAT. The mRNA levels of cytokines, chemokines, and their receptors were increased. Nuclear Factor Kappa B levels were increased in BAT, whereas Iκκ-γ levels increased in WAT. Adipose tissue is an early target of T. cruzi infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fnu Nagajyothi
- Department of Pathology, Diabetes Research and Training Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
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Jasmin, Jelicks LA, Koba W, Tanowitz HB, Mendez-Otero R, Campos de Carvalho AC, Spray DC. Mesenchymal bone marrow cell therapy in a mouse model of chagas disease. Where do the cells go? PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2012; 6:e1971. [PMID: 23272265 PMCID: PMC3521704 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2012] [Accepted: 11/02/2012] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chagas disease, resulting from infection with the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), is a major cause of cardiomyopathy in Latin America. Drug therapy for acute and chronic disease is limited. Stem cell therapy with bone marrow mesenchymal cells (MSCs) has emerged as a novel therapeutic option for cell death-related heart diseases, but efficacy of MSC has not been tested in Chagas disease. METHODS AND RESULTS We now report the use of cell-tracking strategies with nanoparticle labeled MSC to investigate migration of transplanted MSC in a murine model of Chagas disease, and correlate MSC biodistribution with glucose metabolism and morphology of heart in chagasic mice by small animal positron emission tomography (microPET). Mice were infected intraperitoneally with trypomastigotes of the Brazil strain of T. cruzi and treated by tail vein injection with MSC one month after infection. MSCs were labeled with near infrared fluorescent nanoparticles and tracked by an in vivo imaging system (IVIS). Our IVIS results two days after transplant revealed that a small, but significant, number of cells migrated to chagasic hearts when compared with control animals, whereas the vast majority of labeled MSC migrated to liver, lungs and spleen. Additionally, the microPET technique demonstrated that therapy with MSC reduced right ventricular dilation, a phenotype of the chagasic mouse model. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that the beneficial effects of MSC therapy in chagasic mice arise from an indirect action of the cells in the heart rather than a direct action due to incorporation of large numbers of transplanted MSC into working myocardium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Linda A. Jelicks
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Wade Koba
- Department of Radiology (Nuclear Medicine), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Herbert B. Tanowitz
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Rosalia Mendez-Otero
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Antonio C. Campos de Carvalho
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - David C. Spray
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Machado FS, Rodriguez NE, Adesse D, Garzoni LR, Esper L, Lisanti MP, Burk RD, Albanese C, Van Doorslaer K, Weiss LM, Nagajyothi F, Nosanchuk JD, Wilson ME, Tanowitz HB. Recent developments in the interactions between caveolin and pathogens. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2012; 729:65-82. [PMID: 22411314 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-1222-9_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The role of caveolin and caveolae in the pathogenesis of infection has only recently been appreciated. In this chapter, we have highlighted some important new data on the role of caveolin in infections due to bacteria, viruses and fungi but with particular emphasis on the protozoan parasites Leishmania spp., Trypanosoma cruzi and Toxoplasma gondii. This is a continuing area of research and the final chapter has not been written on this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana S Machado
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
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Abstract
Chagas disease is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, a protozoan parasite. Chagas disease remains a serious health problem in large parts of Mexico and Central and South America, where it is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. This disease is being increasingly recognized in non-endemic regions due to immigration. Heart disease develops in 10-30% of infected individuals. It is increasingly clear that parasite- and host-derived bioactive lipids potently modulate disease progression. Many of the changes that occur during acute and chronic Chagas disease can be accounted for by the effects of arachidonic acid (AA)-derived lipids such as leukotrienes, lipoxins, H(P)ETEs, prostaglandins (PGs) and thromboxane. During the course of infection with T. cruzi, changes in circulating levels of AA metabolites are observed. Antagonism of PG synthesis with cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors has both beneficial and adverse effects. Treatment with COX inhibitors during acute infection may result in increased parasite load and mortality. However, treatment instituted during chronic infection may be beneficial with no increase in mortality and substantial improvement with cardiac function. Recently, T. cruzi infection of mice deficient in AA biosynthetic enzymes for various pathways has yielded more insightful data than pharmacological inhibition and has highlighted the potential deleterious effects of inhibitors due to "off-target" actions. Using COX-1 null mice, it was observed that parasite biosynthesis is dependent upon host metabolism, that the majority of TXA(2) liberated during T. cruzi infection is derived from the parasite and that this molecule may act as a quorum sensor to control parasite growth/differentiation. Thus, eicosanoids present during acute infection may act as immunomodulators aiding the transition to, and maintenance of, the chronic stage of the disease. It is also likely that the same mediators that initially function to ensure host survival may later contribute to cardiovascular damage. Collectively, the eicosanoids represent a new series of targets for therapy in Chagas disease with defined potential therapeutic windows in which to apply these agents for greatest effect. A deeper understanding of the mechanism of action of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may provide clues to the differences between host responses in acute and chronic T. cruzi infection.
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Prado CM, Jelicks LA, Weiss LM, Factor SM, Tanowitz HB, Rossi MA. The vasculature in chagas disease. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2011; 76:83-99. [PMID: 21884888 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-385895-5.00004-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The cardiovascular manifestations of Chagas disease are well known. However, the contribution of the vasculature and specifically the microvasculature has received little attention. This chapter reviews the evidence supporting the notion that alterations in the microvasculature especially in the heart contribute to the pathogenesis of chagasic cardiomyopathy. These data may also be important in understanding the contributions of the microvasculature in the aetiologies of other cardiomyopathies. The role of endothelin-1 and of thromboxane A(2) vascular spasm and platelet aggregation is also discussed. Further, these observations may provide target(s) for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cibele M Prado
- Department of Pathology, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Cardiology, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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30
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Jelicks LA, Tanowitz HB. Advances in imaging of animal models of Chagas disease. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2011; 75:193-208. [PMID: 21820557 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-385863-4.00009-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Since serial studies of patients are limited, researchers interested in Chagas disease have relied on animal models of Trypanosoma cruzi infection to explore many aspects of this important human disease. These studies have been important for evaluation of the immunology, pathology, physiology and other aspects of pathogenesis. While larger animals have been employed, mice have remained the most favoured animal model, as they recapitulate many aspects of the human disease, are easy to manipulate genetically and are amenable to study by small animal imaging technologies. Further, developments in non-invasive imaging technologies have permitted the study of the same animal over an extended period of time by multiple imaging modalities, thus permitting the study of the transition from acute infection through the chronic stage and during therapeutic regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda A Jelicks
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
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31
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Lannes-Vieira J, Pereira IR, Vinagre NF, Arnez LEA. TNF-α and TNFR in Chagas disease: from protective immunity to pathogenesis of chronic cardiomyopathy. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2011; 691:221-30. [PMID: 21153326 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-6612-4_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Joseli Lannes-Vieira
- Laboratory of Biology of the Interactions, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro 21045-900, RJ, Brazil.
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Tanowitz HB, Mukhopadhyay A, Ashton AW, Lisanti MP, Machado FS, Weiss LM, Mukherjee S. Microarray analysis of the mammalian thromboxane receptor-Trypanosoma cruzi interaction. Cell Cycle 2011; 10:1132-43. [PMID: 21364319 DOI: 10.4161/cc.10.7.15207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease, causes vasculopathy and cardiomyopathy in humans and is associated with elevated levels of several vasoactive molecules such as nitric oxide, endothelin-1 and thromboxane A 2 (TXA 2). Parasite derived TXA 2 modulates vasculopathy and other pathophysiological features of Chagasic cardiomyopathy. Previously, we demonstrated that in response to infection with T. cruzi, TXA 2 receptor (TP) null mice displayed increased parasitemia; mortality and cardiac pathology compared with wild type (WT) and TXA 2 synthase null mice. In order to further study the role of TXA 2-TP signaling in the development of Chagas disease, GeneChip microarrays were used to detect transcriptome changes in rat fat pad endothelial cells (RFP-ECs) which is incapable of TXA 2 signaling (TP null) to that of control (wild type) and RFP-EC with reconstituted TP expression. Genes that were significantly regulated due to infection were identified using a time course of 2, 18 and 48 hrs post infection. We identified several key genes such as suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS-5), several cytokines (CSF-1, CXCF ligands), and MAP kinases (MAPK-1, Janus kinase) that were upregulated in the absence of TP signaling. These data underscore the importance of the interaction of the parasite with mammalian TP and may explain the increased mortality and cardiovascular pathology observed in infected TP null mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herbert B Tanowitz
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY USA.
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Souza APD, Jelicks LA, Tanowitz HB, Olivieri BP, Medeiros MM, Oliveira GM, Pires ARC, Santos AMD, Araújo-Jorge TC. The benefits of using selenium in the treatment of Chagas disease: prevention of right ventricle chamber dilatation and reversion of Trypanosoma cruzi-induced acute and chronic cardiomyopathy in mice. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2011; 105:746-51. [PMID: 20944987 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762010000600003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2010] [Accepted: 07/20/2010] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac damage is a frequent manifestation of Chagas disease, which is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient, the deficiency of which has been implicated in the development of cardiomyopathy. Our group has previously demonstrated that Se supplementation prevents myocardial damage during acute T. cruzi infection in mice. In this study, we analyzed the effect of Se treatment in cases of T. cruzi infection using prevention and reversion schemes. In the Se prevention scheme, mice were given Se supplements (2 ppm) starting two weeks prior to inoculation with T. cruzi(Brazil strain) and continuing until 120 days post-infection (dpi). In the Se reversion scheme, mice were treated with Se (4 ppm) for 100 days, starting at 160 dpi. Dilatation of the right ventricle was observed in the infected control group at both phases of T. cruzi infection, but it was not observed in the infected group that received Se treatment. Surviving infected mice that were submitted to the Se reversion scheme presented normal P wave values and reduced inflammation of the pericardium. These data indicate that Se treatment prevents right ventricular chamber increase and thus can be proposed as an adjuvant therapy for cardiac alterations already established by T. cruzi infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andréa P de Souza
- Laboratório de Inovações em Terapias, Ensino e Bioprodutos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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34
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Mukherjee S, Machado FS, Huang H, Oz HS, Jelicks LA, Prado CM, Koba W, Fine EJ, Zhao D, Factor SM, Collado JE, Weiss LM, Tanowitz HB, Ashton AW. Aspirin treatment of mice infected with Trypanosoma cruzi and implications for the pathogenesis of Chagas disease. PLoS One 2011; 6:e16959. [PMID: 21347238 PMCID: PMC3039660 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0016959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2010] [Accepted: 01/13/2011] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease, caused by infection with Trypanosoma cruzi, is an important cause of cardiovascular disease. It is increasingly clear that parasite-derived prostaglandins potently modulate host response and disease progression. Here, we report that treatment of experimental T. cruzi infection (Brazil strain) beginning 5 days post infection (dpi) with aspirin (ASA) increased mortality (2-fold) and parasitemia (12-fold). However, there were no differences regarding histopathology or cardiac structure or function. Delayed treatment with ASA (20 mg/kg) beginning 60 dpi did not increase parasitemia or mortality but improved ejection fraction. ASA treatment diminished the profile of parasite- and host-derived circulating prostaglandins in infected mice. To distinguish the effects of ASA on the parasite and host bio-synthetic pathways we infected cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) null mice with the Brazil-strain of T. cruzi. Infected COX-1 null mice displayed a reduction in circulating levels of thromboxane (TX)A2 and prostaglandin (PG)F2α. Parasitemia was increased in COX-1 null mice compared with parasitemia and mortality in ASA-treated infected mice indicating the effects of ASA on mortality potentially had little to do with inhibition of prostaglandin metabolism. Expression of SOCS-2 was enhanced, and TRAF6 and TNFα reduced, in the spleens of infected ASA-treated mice. Ablation of the initial innate response to infection may cause the increased mortality in ASA-treated mice as the host likely succumbs more quickly without the initiation of the “cytokine storm” during acute infection. We conclude that ASA, through both COX inhibition and other “off-target” effects, modulates the progression of acute and chronic Chagas disease. Thus, eicosanoids present during acute infection may act as immunomodulators aiding the transition to and maintenance of the chronic phase of the disease. A deeper understanding of the mechanism of ASA action may provide clues to the differences between host response in the acute and chronic T. cruzi infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shankar Mukherjee
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Fabiana S. Machado
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Huang Huang
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Helieh S. Oz
- Center for Oral Health Research, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Linda A. Jelicks
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and the M. Donald Blaufox Laboratory for Molecular Imaging, Physiology and Biophysics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Cibele M. Prado
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, New York, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, New York, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Wade Koba
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and the M. Donald Blaufox Laboratory for Molecular Imaging, Physiology and Biophysics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Eugene J. Fine
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and the M. Donald Blaufox Laboratory for Molecular Imaging, Physiology and Biophysics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Dazhi Zhao
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, New York, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Stephen M. Factor
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - J. Elias Collado
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, New York, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Louis M. Weiss
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, New York, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Herbert B. Tanowitz
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, New York, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Anthony W. Ashton
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, New York, United States of America
- Division of Perinatal Research, Kolling Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Nagajyothi F, Zhao D, Machado FS, Weiss LM, Schwartz GJ, Desruisseaux MS, Zhao Y, Factor SM, Huang H, Albanese C, Teixeira MM, Scherer PE, Chua SC, Tanowitz HB. Crucial role of the central leptin receptor in murine Trypanosoma cruzi (Brazil strain) infection. J Infect Dis 2010; 202:1104-13. [PMID: 20726767 DOI: 10.1086/656189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Mice carrying a defective leptin receptor gene (db/db mice) are metabolically challenged and upon infection with Trypanosoma cruzi (Brazil strain) suffer high mortality. In genetically modified db/db mice, (NSE-Rb db/db mice), central leptin signaling is reconstituted only in the brain, which is sufficient to correct the metabolic defects. NSE-Rb db/db mice were infected with T. cruzi to determine the impact of the lack of leptin signaling on infection in the absence of metabolic dysregulation. Parasitemia levels, mortality rates, and tissue parasitism were statistically significantly increased in infected db/db mice compared with those in infected NSE-Rb db/db and FVB wild-type mice. There was a reduction in fat mass and blood glucose level in infected db/db mice. Plasma levels of several cytokines and chemokines were statistically significantly increased in infected db/db mice compared with those in infected FVB and NSE-Rb db/db mice. These findings suggest that leptin resistance in individuals with obesity and diabetes mellitus may have adverse consequences in T. cruzi infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fnu Nagajyothi
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
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36
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Rossi MA, Tanowitz HB, Malvestio LM, Celes MR, Campos EC, Blefari V, Prado CM. Coronary microvascular disease in chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy including an overview on history, pathology, and other proposed pathogenic mechanisms. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2010; 4. [PMID: 20824217 PMCID: PMC2930857 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0000674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on the short and bewildered history of Brazilian scientist Carlos Chagas's discovery and subsequent developments, the anatomopathological features of chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC), an overview on the controversies surrounding theories concerning its pathogenesis, and studies that support the microvascular hypothesis to further explain the pathological features and clinical course of CCC. It is our belief that knowledge of this particular and remarkable cardiomyopathy will shed light not only on the microvascular involvement of its pathogenesis, but also on the pathogenetic processes of other cardiomyopathies, which will hopefully provide a better understanding of the various changes that may lead to an end-stage heart disease with similar features. This review is written to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the discovery of Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos A Rossi
- Department of Pathology, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
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37
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Machado FS, Tanowitz HB, Teixeira MM. New drugs for neglected infectious diseases: Chagas' disease. Br J Pharmacol 2010; 160:258-9. [PMID: 20423339 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.00662.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas' disease (CD) is caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi (Tc) and remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Most researchers in the field now agree that chronic low grade parasite persistence in tissue drives tissue damage and the autoimmune component of CD. Current therapy relies on two compounds: benznidazole and nifurtimox. Despite their long history in the treatment of CD, both compounds induce significant side-effects. In the current issue of the BJP, two contributions demonstrate that NO-donors are active, especially in combination with benznidazole, against Tc in vitro and in experimental models in vivo. The basic concept used by the authors to develop novel anti-Tc compounds relied on the demonstrated ability of nitric oxide to kill the parasite. There are several issues still to be resolved but the reported studies are a clear advance to the field and should be considered for further pre-clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana S Machado
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Trypanosoma cruzi infection: do distinct populations cause intestinal motility alteration? Parasitol Res 2010; 107:239-42. [PMID: 20454805 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-010-1871-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2010] [Accepted: 04/01/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, is an important public health problem in Latin America. Disturbances in gastrointestinal motility are observed in 15-20% of patients at the chronic phase. We previously observed a decrease in intestinal motility in mice infected with Y strain from T. cruzi. Thus, we decided to test if infection with other T. cruzi strains also caused the intestinal disturbance. Male adult Swiss mice were infected intraperitoneally with CL-Brener clone (CL-B), Brazil strain (Br), or Dm28 clone (Dm) of T. cruzi. All infected mice presented a low cumulative mortality (CL-B, 17%; Br, 8%; Dm, 25%) at 35 days post infection (dpi) and their typical parasitemia curves. Br and Dm groups exhibited a maximal reduction of intestinal motility at 35 dpi (176.8 +/- 51.3 and 198.3 +/- 52.6 min, respectively), when compared with non-infected mice (90.2 +/- 19.5 min). However, CL mice presented the peak of delayed intestinal transit at 12 dpi (191.0 +/- 33.3 min), when compared with non-infected mice (105.6 +/- 26.4 min), very close to the 15 dpi for the intense alteration (310.2 +/- 67.4 min) observed with the Y strain. We clearly demonstrate a reduction in intestinal motility in mice infected with different groups of T. cruzi during the acute phase of the infection. Since Br, Dm, and CL strains presented low mortality rates in adult Swiss mice, a prospective study concerning the chronic intestinal alteration is encouraged, particularly for studies of alternative therapies.
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Adesse D, Lisanti MP, Spray DC, Machado FS, Meirelles MDN, Tanowitz HB, Garzoni LR. Trypanosoma cruzi infection results in the reduced expression of caveolin-3 in the heart. Cell Cycle 2010; 9:1639-46. [PMID: 20372051 DOI: 10.4161/cc.9.8.11509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Caveolae are motile, membrane-bound compartments that contain a number of molecules that participate in cell signaling. Caveolins are protein markers of caveolae and function in a variety of biological processes. Caveolin-3 (Cav-3) is expressed in muscle cells and Cav-3 null mice display a cardiomyopathic phenotype. Ultrastructural cytochemistry, confocal microscopy and immunoblotting revealed a reduction in Cav-3 expression and an activation of ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase) 48 hours after Trypanosoma cruzi infection of cultured cardiac myocytes. CD-1 mice infected with the Brazil strain of T. cruzi displayed reduced expression of Cav-3 and activation of ERK 66 days post infection (dpi). By 180 dpi there was a normalization of these values. These data suggest that the reduction in Cav-3 expression and the activation of ERK during the early phase of infection may contribute to the pathogenesis of chagasic cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Adesse
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Abstract
Animal models of human diseases are increasingly available and are invaluable for studies of organ pathophysiology. Megacolon, abnormal dilatation of the colon not caused by mechanical obstruction, involves the destruction of the autonomic nervous system innervating the colon. Animal models of megacolon include mouse models of Chagas disease and Hirschprung's disease. Small animal imaging has become an important research tool and recent advances in preclinical imaging modalities have enhanced the information content available from longitudinal studies of animal models of human diseases. While numerous applications of imaging technologies have been reported to study the brain and heart of mouse models, fewer studies of the gastrointestinal system have been undertaken due to technical limitations caused by peristaltic and respiratory motion. Various imaging modalities relevant to study of the gastrointestinal tract of intact live animals are reviewed herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda A Jelicks
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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Prado CM, Fine EJ, Koba W, Zhao D, Rossi MA, Tanowitz HB, Jelicks LA. Micro-positron emission tomography in the evaluation of Trypanosoma cruzi-induced heart disease: Comparison with other modalities. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2009; 81:900-5. [PMID: 19861629 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2009.09-0338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Noninvasive assessment of cardiac structure and function is essential to understand the natural course of murine infection with Trypanosoma cruzi. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and echocardiography have been used to monitor anatomy and function; positron emission tomography (PET) is ideal for monitoring metabolic events in the myocardium. Mice infected with T. cruzi (Brazil strain) were imaged 15-100 days post infection (dpi). Quantitative (18)F-FDG microPET imaging, MRI and echocardiography were performed and compared. Tracer ((18)F-FDG) uptake was significantly higher in infected mice at all days of infection, from 15 to 100 dpi. Dilatation of the right ventricular chamber was observed by MRI from 30 to 100 dpi in infected mice. Echocardiography revealed significantly reduced ejection fraction by 60 dpi. Combination of these three complementary imaging modalities makes it possible to noninvasively quantify cardiovascular function, morphology, and metabolism from the earliest days of infection through the chronic phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cibele M Prado
- Department of Pathology, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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Silverio JC, de-Oliveira-Pinto LM, da Silva AA, de Oliveira GM, Lannes-Vieira J. Perforin-expressing cytotoxic cells contribute to chronic cardiomyopathy in Trypanosoma cruzi infection. Int J Exp Pathol 2009; 91:72-86. [PMID: 19878357 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2613.2009.00670.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the dual participation of the immune response in controlling the invader and at the same time causing tissue damage might contribute to the design of effective new vaccines and therapies for Chagas disease. Perforin, a cytolytic protein product of killer cells, is involved in resistance to acute Trypanosoma cruzi infection. However, the contribution of perforin in parasite control and chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy is unclear. Perforin-positive cells were detected in the heart tissue during the acute and chronic phases of infection of C57BL/6 mice inoculated with low dose (10(2) parasites) of the Colombian T. cruzi strain. This protocol led to acute phase survival in both wild-type and perforin null (pfp(-/-)) mice lineages. During the chronic infection, parasitism and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) as well as interleukin (IL)-4+ and, mainly, interferon (IFN)-gamma+ cells were more elevated in the heart tissue of pfp(-/-) mice. Higher levels of circulating NO and anti-parasite immunoglobulin (Ig)G2c and IgG3, paralleled by a prominent frequency of IFN-gamma+ and IL-10+ splenocytes, were present in pfp(-/-)-infected mice. Therefore, although the perforin-dependent pathway plays a role, it is not crucial for anti-T. cruzi immunity and acute phase survival of mice infected with a low inoculum. Further, perforin deficiency resulted in lower activity of creatine kinase-muscle brain isoform (CK-MB) isoenzyme in serum and a more restricted connexin 43 loss, both of which are markers of the cardiomyocyte lesion. Moreover, perforin deficiency hampered the development of severe electrocardiographic abnormalities. Hence, our results corroborate that perforin-bearing cytotoxic cells might contribute to cardiomyocyte lesion and heart dysfunction during chronic T. cruzi infection, shedding light on immunopathogenesis of chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy.
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Experimental chemotherapy against Trypanosoma cruzi infection using ruthenium nitric oxide donors. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2009; 53:4414-21. [PMID: 19581464 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00104-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The ruthenium NO donors of the group trans-[Ru(NO)(NH3)4L]n+, where the ligand (L) is N-heterocyclic H2O, SO(3)(2-), or triethyl phosphite, are able to lyse Trypanosoma cruzi in vitro and in vivo. Using half-maximal (50%) inhibitory concentrations against bloodstream trypomastigotes (IC50try) and cytotoxicity data on mammalian V-79 cells (IC50V79), the in vitro therapeutic indices (TIs) (IC50V79/IC50try) for these compounds were calculated. Compounds that exhibited an in vitro TI of > or = 10 and trypanocidal activity against both epimastigotes and trypomastigotes with an IC50(try/epi) of < or = 100 microM were assayed in a mouse model for acute Chagas' disease, using two different routes (intraperitoneal and oral) for drug administration. A dose-effect relationship was observed, and from that, the ideal dose of 400 nmol/kg of body weight for both trans-[Ru(NO)(NH3)4isn](BF4)3 (isn, isonicotinamide) and trans-[Ru(NO)(NH3)4imN](BF4)3 (imN, imidazole) and median (50%) effective doses (ED50) of 86 and 190 nmol/kg, respectively, were then calculated. Since the 50% lethal doses (LD50) for both compounds are higher than 125 micromol/kg, the in vivo TIs (LD50/ED50) of the compounds are 1,453 for trans-[Ru(NO)(NH3)4isn](BF4)3 and 658 for trans-[Ru(NO)(NH3)4imN](BF4)3. Although these compounds exhibit a marked trypanocidal activity and are able to react with cysteine, they exhibit very low activity in T. cruzi-glycosomal glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase tests, suggesting that this enzyme is not their target. The trans-[Ru(NO)(NH3)4isn](BF4)3 and trans-[Ru(NO)(NH3)4imN](BF4)3 compounds are able to eliminate amastigote nests in myocardium tissue at 400-nmol/kg doses and ensure the survival of all infected mice, thus opening a novel set of therapies to try against trypanosomatids.
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Tanowitz HB, Machado FS, Jelicks LA, Shirani J, de Carvalho ACC, Spray DC, Factor SM, Kirchhoff LV, Weiss LM. Perspectives on Trypanosoma cruzi-induced heart disease (Chagas disease). Prog Cardiovasc Dis 2009; 51:524-39. [PMID: 19410685 PMCID: PMC2677559 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcad.2009.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. It is a common cause of heart disease in endemic areas of Latin America. The year 2009 marks the 100th anniversary of the discovery of T cruzi infection and Chagas disease by the Brazilian physician Carlos Chagas. Chagasic cardiomyopathy develops in from 10% to 30% of persons who are chronically infected with this parasite. Echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are important modalities in the evaluation and prognostication of individuals with chagasic heart disease. The etiology of chagasic heart disease likely is multifactorial. Parasite persistence, autoimmunity, and microvascular abnormalities have been studied extensively as possible pathogenic mechanisms. Experimental studies suggest that alterations in cardiac gap junctions may be etiologic in the pathogenesis of conduction abnormalities. The diagnosis of chronic Chagas disease is made by serology. The treatment of this infection has shortcomings that need to be addressed. Cardiac transplantation and bone marrow stem cell therapy for persons with Chagas disease have received increasing research attention in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herbert B Tanowitz
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
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Singh S, Gray T, Wurster RD. Nitric oxide and carbon monoxide synthesizing enzymes and soluble guanylyl cyclase within neurons of adult human cardiac ganglia. Auton Neurosci 2009; 145:93-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2008.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2007] [Revised: 11/05/2008] [Accepted: 11/10/2008] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Kroll-Palhares K, Silvério JC, Silva AAD, Michailowsky V, Marino AP, Silva NM, Carvalho CME, Pinto LMDO, Gazzinelli RT, Lannes-Vieira J. TNF/TNFR1 signaling up-regulates CCR5 expression by CD8+ T lymphocytes and promotes heart tissue damage during Trypanosoma cruzi infection: beneficial effects of TNF-alpha blockade. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2008; 103:375-85. [PMID: 18660993 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762008000400011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2008] [Accepted: 06/09/2008] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In Chagas disease, understanding how the immune response controls parasite growth but also leads to heart damage may provide insight into the design of new therapeutic strategies. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is important for resistance to acute Trypanosoma cruzi infection; however, in patients suffering from chronic T. cruzi infection, plasma TNF-alpha levels correlate with cardiomyopathy. Recent data suggest that CD8-enriched chagasic myocarditis formation involves CCR1/CCR5-mediated cell migration. Herein, the contribution of TNF-alpha, especially signaling through the receptor TNFR1/p55, to the pathophysiology of T. cruzi infection was evaluated with a focus on the development of myocarditis and heart dysfunction. Colombian strain-infected C57BL/6 mice had increased frequencies of TNFR1/p55+ and TNF-alpha+ splenocytes. Although TNFR1-/- mice exhibited reduced myocarditis in the absence of parasite burden, they succumbed to acute infection. Similar to C57BL/6 mice, Benznidazole-treated TNFR1-/- mice survived acute infection. In TNFR1-/- mice, reduced CD8-enriched myocarditis was associated with defective activation of CD44+CD62Llow/- and CCR5+ CD8+ lymphocytes. Also, anti-TNF-alpha treatment reduced the frequency of CD8+CCR5+ circulating cells and myocarditis, though parasite load was unaltered in infected C3H/HeJ mice. TNFR1-/- and anti-TNF-alpha-treated infected mice showed regular expression of connexin-43 and reduced fibronectin deposition, respectively. Furthermore, anti-TNF-alpha treatment resulted in lower levels of CK-MB, a cardiomyocyte lesion marker. Our results suggest that TNF/TNFR1 signaling promotes CD8-enriched myocarditis formation and heart tissue damage, implicating the TNF/TNFR1 signaling pathway as a potential therapeutic target for control of T. cruzi-elicited cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Kroll-Palhares
- Laboratório de Auto-Imunidade e Imuno-Regulação, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
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47
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Machado FS, Souto JT, Rossi MA, Esper L, Tanowitz HB, Aliberti J, Silva JS. Nitric oxide synthase-2 modulates chemokine production by Trypanosoma cruzi-infected cardiac myocytes. Microbes Infect 2008; 10:1558-66. [PMID: 18951994 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2008.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2008] [Revised: 09/22/2008] [Accepted: 09/23/2008] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
An intense inflammatory process is associated with Trypanosoma cruzi infection. We investigated the mediators that trigger leukocyte activation and migration to the heart of infected mice. It is known that nitric oxide (NO) modulates the inflammatory response. During T. cruzi infection, increased concentrations of NO are produced by cardiac myocytes (CMs) in response to IFN-gamma and TNF. Here, we investigated whether NO, IFN-gamma and TNF regulate chemokine production by T. cruzi-infected CMs. In addition, we examined the effects of the NOS2 deficiency on chemokine expression both in cultured CMs and in hearts obtained from infected mice. After infection of cultured WT CMs with T. cruzi, the addition of IFN-gamma and TNF increased both mRNA and protein levels of the chemokines CXCL1, CXCL2, CCL2, CCL3, CCL4 and CCL5. Interestingly, T. cruzi-infected NOS2-deficient CMs produced significantly higher levels of CCL2, CCL4, CCL5 and CXL2 in the presence of IFN-gamma and TNF. Infection of NOS2-null mice resulted in a significant increase in the expression of both chemokine mRNA and protein levels in the heart of, compared with hearts obtained from, infected WT mice. Our data indicate that NOS2 is a potent modulator of chemokine expression which is critical to triggering the generation of the inflammatory infiltrate in the heart during T. cruzi infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana S Machado
- Departments of Biochemistry and Immunology and Pathology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto-USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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Nagajyothi F, Desruisseaux MS, Thiruvur N, Weiss LM, Braunstein VL, Albanese C, Teixeira MM, de Almeida CJ, Lisanti MP, Scherer PE, Tanowitz HB. Trypanosoma cruzi infection of cultured adipocytes results in an inflammatory phenotype. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2008; 16:1992-7. [PMID: 19186325 PMCID: PMC2771879 DOI: 10.1038/oby.2008.331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Infection with Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of Chagas disease is accompanied by an intense inflammatory reaction. Our laboratory group has identified adipose tissue as one of the major sites of inflammation during disease progression. Because adipose tissue is composed of many cell types, we were interested in investigating whether the adipocyte per se was a source of inflammatory mediators in this infection. Cultured adipocytes were infected with the Tulahuen strain of T. cruzi for 48-96 h. Immunoblot and quantitative PCR (qPCR) analyses demonstrated an increase in the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, including interleukin (IL)-1 beta, interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, CCL2, CCL5, and CXCL10 as well as an increase in the expression of Toll-like receptors-2 and 9 and activation of the notch pathway. Interestingly, caveolin-1 expression was reduced while cyclin D1 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) expression was increased. The expression of PI3kinase and the activation of AKT (phosphorylated AKT) were increased suggesting that infection may induce components of the insulin/IGF-1 receptor cascade. There was an infection-associated decrease in adiponectin and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma). These data provide a mechanism for the increase in the inflammatory phenotype that occurs in T. cruzi-infected adipocytes. Overall, these data implicate the adipocyte as an important target of T. cruzi, and one which contributes significantly to the inflammatory response observed in Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fnu Nagajyothi
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Mahalia S. Desruisseaux
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Niranjan Thiruvur
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Louis M. Weiss
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Vicki L. Braunstein
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Chris Albanese
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Mauro M. Teixeira
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Cecilia J. de Almeida
- Department of Cancer Biology and the Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- The Muscular and Neurodegenerative Disease Unit, University of Genoa, Gaslini Pediatric Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Michael P. Lisanti
- Department of Cancer Biology and the Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- The Muscular and Neurodegenerative Disease Unit, University of Genoa, Gaslini Pediatric Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Philipp E. Scherer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Touchstone Diabetes Center, University of Texas Southwestern School of Medicine, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Herbert B. Tanowitz
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
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Pérez-Fuentes R, Torres-Rasgado E, Salgado-Rosas H, Zamora-Ginez I, Sánchez-Guillén MC. The anti-oxidant defence response in individuals with the indeterminate form of Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis). ANNALS OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND PARASITOLOGY 2008; 102:189-97. [PMID: 18348773 DOI: 10.1179/136485908x267858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
In previous studies in animal models, Trypanosoma cruzi-induced oxidative stress and damage have sometimes been controlled by the host's anti-oxidant defence responses. The role of the anti-oxidant defence responses, such as the activities of the anti-oxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), in protection against inflammation and damage have now been investigated in humans infected with T. cruzi. The subjects were 32 asymptomatic but seropositive individuals with the indeterminate form of Chagas disease, 18 symptomatic and seropositive patients with the chronic disease, and 50 seronegative and apparently healthy controls. The inflammatory process was explored using serum concentrations of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and NO. The serum concentrations of GPx in the patients in the indeterminate phase of infection were similar to those in the controls but much higher than those in the chronic cases (P=0.001). The serum concentrations of SOD in the patients in the indeterminate phase of infection were not only significantly higher than those in the cases of chronic Chagas disease (P=0.0004) but also significantly higher than those in the controls (P<0.001). The seropositive subjects had significantly higher serum concentrations of TNF and NO than the controls (P<0.01 for each) and the cases of chronic Chagas disease had significantly higher serum concentrations of TNF and NO than the subjects with the indeterminate form of the disease (P<0.01 for each). It therefore appears that the host's anti-oxidant defence responses (at least in terms of elevated concentrations of SOD) may inhibit inflammation during the indeterminate phase of Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Pérez-Fuentes
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Oriente, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, C.P. 62340, Puebla, Mexico
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50
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Mukherjee S, Nagajyothi F, Mukhopadhyay A, Machado FS, Belbin TJ, de Carvalho AC, Guan F, Albanese C, Jelicks LA, Lisanti MP, Silva JS, Spray DC, Weiss LM, Tanowitz HB. Alterations in myocardial gene expression associated with experimental Trypanosoma cruzi infection. Genomics 2008; 91:423-32. [PMID: 18343633 PMCID: PMC2386515 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2008.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2007] [Revised: 12/21/2007] [Accepted: 01/28/2008] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease, characterized by acute myocarditis and chronic cardiomyopathy, is caused by infection with the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. We sought to identify genes altered during the development of parasite-induced cardiomyopathy. Microarrays containing 27,400 sequence-verified mouse cDNAs were used to analyze global gene expression changes in the myocardium of a murine model of chagasic cardiomyopathy. Changes in gene expression were determined as the acute stage of infection developed into the chronic stage. This analysis was performed on the hearts of male CD-1 mice infected with trypomastigotes of T. cruzi (Brazil strain). At each interval we compared infected and uninfected mice and confirmed the microarray data with dye reversal. We identified eight distinct categories of mRNAs that were differentially regulated during infection and identified dysregulation of several key genes. These data may provide insight into the pathogenesis of chagasic cardiomyopathy and provide new targets for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shankar Mukherjee
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Fnu Nagajyothi
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Aparna Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Anatomy and structural Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Fabiana S. Machado
- Division of Molecular Immunology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Thomas J. Belbin
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Antonio Campos de Carvalho
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fangxia Guan
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
- Department of Bioengineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, P.R. China
| | - Chris Albanese
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, D.C
| | - Linda A. Jelicks
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Michael P. Lisanti
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA.and The Muscular and Neurodegenerative Disease Unit, University of Genova, and G. Gaslini Pediatric Institute, Genova, Italy
| | - Joao S. Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidae de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - David C. Spray
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Louis M. Weiss
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Herbert B. Tanowitz
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
- Correspondence: Herbert B. Tanowitz, M.D., Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, 718-430-3342, Fax: 718-430-8543,
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